Daily Motivations 6-23-2010

Wednesday, Jun 23, 2010

Today's Gift

What happens to us is not as important as how we respond.

The external events of our lives are largely beyond our control. We do not choose our parents, our emotional environment, the historical period in which we live, our body type, or the flow of circumstances that shape our experience. These are givens. We do not select them, but we can choose how we will react to them, and in that choice lies our freedom and our responsibility.

Instead of complaining about the hand we've been dealt, we can concentrate on playing it well. This is the way we exercise our freedom. What might appear to be random chance can take on meaning and purpose as we delve for insight and use our deficiencies as opportunities for growth.

Our responsibility is to do the best we can with what we have where we are. And we don't do it alone. We have help in learning how best to respond. We have a support group, we have a Higher Power, and we have an inner guide if we will listen for direction.

Today, I will remember that the what of my life is not as important as the how.

You are reading from the book:

Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.

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Twenty-Four Hours A Day

Keep It Simple

Words are sacred, we must use them wisely. . . . They are a gift from God. - Burton Pretty-On-Top
We use words to bring peace to others. We can use words to tell our Higher Power and others how much we care. Or we can use words to hurt others. We can curse them and scare them away. We often did when we used alcohol and other drugs. In recovery, we learn to use words in a kind, wise way. We treat words as a gift from our Higher Power. We use words to build our relationships.

Do I always use words in a kind way? Do I treat words as a powerful gift from my Higher Power? Do my words make the world better or worse for those who hear me speak?

Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, when I speak words, help me think about their power. Help me speak to others in a kind way.

Action for the Day: Today, I'll speak to others with respect. My words will add a little kindness, honesty, and love to the world today.

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One Day At A Time

Came to Believe

~ Scroll down for share ~

I have come to believe that the gift of sobriety
is what gives value and dignity to my life.
It is this that I have to share, and it grows as it is shared.
- Came To Believe . . ., p. 4

Thought to Ponder . . .
I saw, I felt, I believed.

AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
H O W = Honesty, Open-mindedness, Willingness.

A MEMBER SHARES:
I am Ramona and I'm a recovering alcoholic. Coming to believe in a power greater than myself was not easy. I remember the desperation of thinking I was insane, and hearing the suggestion that a Higher Power could restore me to sanity. It was a relief to finally find that my HP did not have to be your HP, and to find that religion was not a part of the deal here in AA, and that I could pick any HP I wished -- that the only requirement was my willingness to ask for help from that HP. When I did ask, I was amazed to find that I commenced to get results. Not so much in the physical realm, but on a deeper, spiritual level. It was an inner peace, a knowing feeling that all was going to be okay, no matter what the present circumstances were. The doorway is wide, and willingness was all it took. A willingness to simply believe in the possibility of some power bigger than myself. My relationship with that Higher Power is changing and growing because I have been willing to ask and to work the Steps. I have to try to remember that my HP has a plan and all will be okay, as long as I don't drink, and keep working this program to the best of my ability. I have a Higher Power that works for me, and you can choose one that will work for you. It doesn't matter what our spiritual beliefs are as long as we are willing to believe in a power greater than we are, it works. So, if you have doubts or misgivings about the God or the Higher Power thing, remember most of us started right where you are. We can relate to those feelings. We came to believe -- and you can, too. I found a way and so will you. Just don't drink, no matter what, become willing, get to meetings and get a sponsor. Give this thing an honest try. It will work for you, too.

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Daily Motivation

There's a way

When it's something you truly wish to do, there's a way to get it done. There's a way to cut through all the objections, obstacles and excuses, and to make it happen.

If you don't know how, then you can learn. If you can't find anyone to teach you, then you can figure out your own approach.

If you don't have time, examine and update your priorities. Remember why it's important to you, and keep remembering as you continue taking effective action.

If it seems way too overwhelming, start with just a tiny first step. If you're not progressing fast enough, use a little bit of innovation to leverage your efforts.

Achievement is one of life's greatest adventures. You owe it to yourself to enjoy as much of it as you possibly can.

Set yourself a meaningful goal and add some great new value to your world. Make the commitment to start right now, and you'll quickly find that there's a way.

-- Ralph Marston